Satan’s Temptations to Avoid Paying Khums

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Sometimes, as a result of Satan’s temptations, one may think he has done many good deeds and helped the poor and, therefore, he does not need to pay Khums.

This is because when someone decides to pay what he is religiously required to pay, such as Khums, Satan warns him about getting poor if he does that. “Satan threatens you with poverty and commands you to commit sin.” (Verse 268 of Surah Al-Baqarah)

But God pledges in the Quran that He will compensate for it and replace it:

“He will replace whatever you spend for His cause and He is the best Sustainer.” (Verse 39 of Surah Saba)

“Be steadfast in your prayer and pay the religious tax. You will receive a good reward from God for all your good works. God is Well-aware of what you do.” (Verse 110 of Surah Al-Baqarah

“Children and property are the ornaments of the worldly life, but for deeds which continually produce virtue one can obtain better rewards from God and have greater hope in Him.” (Verse 46 of Surah Al-Kahf)

“Whatever you possess is transient and whatever is with God is everlasting.” (Verse 96 of Surah An-Nahl)

“The example of those who give their wealth in the way of Allah is like a grain of corn that sprouts seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah multiplies to whom He will, Allah is the Embracer, the Knower.” (Verse 261 of Surah Al-Baqarah)

If Satan fails to convince the person to avoid paying Khums, he will try to persuade him to procrastinate it, saying: Well, yes, paying Khums is Wajib (obligatory), but you don’t need to hurry. What if you face a financial problem? What if you face losses? What if…?

The Holy Quran warns against such procrastination:

1- In the Quran, the word "Baghtatan" (sudden death) is used in many verses, warning that sudden death may come to you so you would lose the opportunity to do good and fulfil your obligation.

2- The Quran mentions the story of individuals and people who face divine punishment suddenly.

3- The Quran refers to some people in the hereafter who wish they could return to this world and do virtuous deeds but that will never happen.

4- In Verse 14 of Surah Al-Hadid, the Quran points to a discussion between those residing in hell and the people of paradise: “They will call out to them, saying: ‘Were we not with you?’ ‘Yes,’ they will reply, ‘but you tempted yourselves, you waited (for problems to befall the believers), and you doubted, and were deluded by your own fancies until the Command of Allah came, and the deluder (Satan) deluded you concerning Allah.”